Tips for Selecting a Planning Program

Would you like to further your education in the field of planning, but are not sure how to select the right program for you? No two planning programs are alike, and that the exact "right" program might not exist. The decision to enroll in a particular program involves a number of academic and personal considerations.

Tip 1. Areas of Interest
Write down a series of topics and issues that interest you in planning. Consult the course catalogs from the schools that interest you. See whether the courses offered and the emphasis of the programs match your list of interests. Review recently published articles and reports by university faculty to determine whether your interests match. If you do not find a fit between your interests and those of the program or the faculty, you might consider enrolling in another school or another academic program.

Tip 2. What Are the School's Graduates Doing Now?
Contact the planning department in the colleges and universities that interest you. Ask for the names and phone numbers of several recent graduates and ask for permission to contact them. Call these graduates to find out what types of jobs they got and how they view their planning school experience.

Tip 3. Investigate Library Resources
Call the university library and find out the size of its holdings and areas of greatest strength. Does the library participate in share agreements with other universities? Does the library offer a range of accessible information sources, including online resources? Compare the size of library resources from university to university.

Tip 4. Look at Other Programs Offered by the College or University
Are there allied programs that may help you extend your education? Would a dual-degree program best meet your educational goals? Consider whether or not the school has architecture, landscape architecture, engineering, political science, geography, environmental management, public administration, or law programs. Ask the planning school if students take courses in other departments.

Tip 5. Does the School Offer Internships?
Gaining work experience can be a great asset in orienting you to the field and the job market. It can also enhance your resume when you start hunting for that first job. Do students at the school regularly participate in internships? Does the school have an established internship program?

Tip 6. What Is the Makeup of the Student Body?
Ask the department about its students. Is there a mix of ages and ethnic backgrounds? Is this important to you? Is the school a residence or a commuter school? Which environment is more agreeable to you?

Tip 7. Geographic Compatibility
Some students choose schools based on proximity to their parents, or other friends and relatives. Consider what type of environment matches your personality. Does living in an urban environment excite you? Are you interested in a more rural setting? Through their planning courses students may learn a great deal about a particular city or region. That knowledge, along with interpersonal connections made through project-based classes, may lead to potential job opportunities. Would you consider living in the area, even for a short time, upon graduation?

Tip 8. Are Practicing Planners Involved in Teaching?
Does the school have practicing planners among its faculty? What courses do they teach? Does the school emphasize the practice of planning and preparing you for the workplace? Is the school more research oriented and more suited to those going for a Ph.D.?

Tip 9. Consider Faculty Accessibility
Many students flourish by establishing sound relationships with faculty. However, in any given program, some professors or lecturers may be more accessible than others. Consider what relationship you seek with the program's faculty. If you have previously identified certain professors with interests matching your own, consider whether other commitments might prevent him or her from meeting your expectations. Strongly consider meeting with faculty on campus before enrolling in any program.

Tip 10. Financial Considerations
Paying for education can be a challenge. Depending on the university, a number of need-based and merit-based scholarship opportunities exist. Explore scholarship information on our website. Particularly at the graduate level, teaching assistantships and research fellowships are a common way to reduce or waive the cost of tuition. If applicable, inquire about establishing in-state residency for tuition discounts. Ask for all available financial information from the school to make an informed decision.